5 comments about Masters of the Living Energy: The Mystical World of the Q'ero of Peru.

1. Having recieved rites from the Q'ero I found Joan's book to be an impressive body of work.
   
   Her intention to share the teachings of the shaman in an unbiased informative way felt impeccable to me. The work is devotional in presenting their truths as she struggled through two language translations. Her pointed questions allowed these masters to convey their wisdom within our frame of reference.
   
   Her book is a reminder of our deep connection to the divine, at once a resource and a tool for our own work. I feel grateful to her for putting this divine mystery into words. I have not found any other resource to be as detailed reguarding the message the Q'ero wish to convey to us.
   
   I recommend this book to anyone on the path of seeking more light for this universe.



2. Was exactly what Iwas looking for. Book is in perfect shape and was shipped on time. Very pleased



3. This is an awesome book containing information that is very timely and much needed to save our planet. - Only one criticism - this is an updated version of Keepers of the Ancient Knowledge but the only way to find out is by reading the introduction. Unfortunately I ordered both books and had to return Keepers. It would be awesome if Amazon had a way of letting customers know about updates with different names.
   
   Thank you.



4. This is the identical book by the same author as "Keepers of the Ancient Knowledge". I have had to send it back for a refund. I was not thrilled to find I had ordered a book that I already owned, but with a new title. Nowhere was there any mention of it to alert someone of that.
   
   But, it's a great book, and I was looking forward to more insights on the subject.



5. This is the best book on Peruvian Shamans that I have ever read. I have read many books on the subject of Shamanism and I feel this is the best yet. The interviews she has with the Q'uero and the translators, the culture of these people, all facts pertaining to their beliefs, simply an amazing read. I would recommend this book to anyway who is embarking on the path of a Shaman.
   
   Kila

5 comments about The World Is As You Dream It: Teachings from the Amazon and Andes.

1. This is a superb rendition of spiritual principles crafted within the context of indigenous cosmology. It reflects broader corollaries that can be assigned to numerous spiritual disciplines world wide and provide a source of inspiration to those who question the nefarious motives of unfettered "development" with all its hideous consequences.
   
   Mr. Perkins utilizes vast personal experience to highlight indigenous wisdom that takes to task our ethnocentric, greed based, industrialized world view that seems designed to ransack planetary resources and exploit the lives of all it can consume. A sad commentary on the foibles of an economic system run amuck, yet, a surprisingly inspirational joy ride through time and space as seen through the eyes of the author.
   
   Highly recommended.



2. I plan to buy ShapeShifting next. This book will change your life and the way you look at things. I know...there are so many books out there that claim to do that as well, but they are nothing compared to this book. Only an intelligent spirital person would read this book, but it is also an easy read. I have the highest respect for John Perkins.



3. This book needs to be labeled fiction and it totally misrepresents the indigenous South Americans about whom he's talking. The native Amazonians he visits have a well-documented history of head hunting and raiding until very recently! These groups survived colonialism because they retreated deep into the rainforest, and because they were extraordinarily violent towards outsiders, other fellow Amazonians, and especially to their own women.
   
   It's insulting that Perkins remakes these indigenous Amazonians into his own hippy, 1960's idealistic view of a nature-loving, dream-centric, egalitarian culture with some special understanding of the world that we can use to remake our own. He neglects to tell anything truthful about the Shuar culture-- and it's tiresome and offensive to have people put their own ideals into some "Wise Indian's" mouth.
   
   The truth is always interesting, and I'm sure Perkins' trippy, drug-induced vision of an eco-friendly imaginary dreamworld could be interesting too. His lie is to conflate the two.



4. This book is for those of you who recognize that there is something inherently wrong with the way our society operates. Even if you don't recognize it, this book will shed light on a myriad of problems. We can all learn a few things from indigenous people, and Perkins is a level-headed expert on the subject. Short and easy to follow, this book is a must read!



5. Perkins is a 50 plus year old former International businessman who made the transition from a tool of the modern day robber barrons to a spiritually concerned member of the human race. I suggest that his books be read in the order of their publication to really understand the mans evolution. His body of work should be in the high schools of all the countries that are sucking up the worlds resources. Then, maybe, with a generation of informed people the planet can change it's course from a head on collision with disaster to a place where people understand the bounty of this world must be properly allocated and the appropriate opportunities are available for everyone. There is to much in his books to write about here. An automatic for any person wondering how the world really works and how it could work.

1 comments about Welcome Home: Following Your Soul's Journey Home.

1. This book is trying to light up the shady corridors of the unknown,when the soul is starting out for its journey back to what we perceive in our concious mind as non existence,just to make us sure that it's realy reunited to its true source travelling trough the light..

4 comments about The Beginner's Guide to Shamanic Journeying (The Beginner's Guides).

1. and what i mean by that is: if you are unfamiliar with shamanism or know it only from a technical, readerly aspect, this would certainly be a good choice. if you already have her SEEING IN THE DARK cassettes, there will be some repetition. and then if you have some of her books, again, it will be info you are familiar with. this CD though does have a 12-minute drumming track...of course, you may rather get a drumming-only cd or tape from harner or martin duffy (ireland) and then get sandra's cassettes. so, that's the deal. fish around. but for the price amazon has this, it is a worthy gift for someone you think would get something from this practice. another thing is sandra's voice. it is earthy, natural and calming but in a grounding, not flighty way. and her drumming/rattling is nice. it works. ok, one other thing. other fine scholar-practitioners of cultural (and not "core") shamanism like christian ratsch (Shamanism and Tantra in the Himalayas) believe that this fundamentally recent wave of Core journeying is NOT effective. he is not too fond of harner and co. but i think what sandra is offering IS genuine...and she obviously HAS the gift...but many perhaps DO need entheogenic propulsion in addition to drumming etc. to each his own. some of us can function in both of those dynamics. i think too many shy away from the psychoactively charged realms...and TOO MANY spend too much time and rely on peyote/DMT/nutmeg/etc too much. so there. find YOUR balance. all said, this is a fine CD and intro. like it says, this IS "The Beginner's Guide"...



2. I was highly impressed with insights and suggestions on this recording. One can put only so much information on one CD and for what you can learn and experience as a newcomer to Shamanic journeying in a little bit more than ONE HOUR, I have found this CD awesome.

   I particularly liked suggestions relating how to ask good questions and set an intent for a journey. One particular suggestion would apply to any form of divination.

   For example, if you ask your spirit helper (power animal, etc.) "Should I marry so and so?", the spirit helper may say "Sure, go ahead". Then when you get married to that person, you find out that the marriage was a complete disaster and start to wonder about the effectiveness of Shamanic journeying.

   Sandra points out that spirit helpers view everything as a "learning experience", so the most appropriate question would be "What will I learn if I marry so and so?" The answer may be "betrayal" and you may decide that you don't really care much to learn about betrayal, to which your spirit helper answers, "OK, then, don't marry that person".

   The quality of the questions we ask greatly influences the quality of helpful information we get.

   This CD has contains about one hour of information consisting of introduction to shamanic journeying and a lot of good key points for successful journeying and then about 10 minutes or drumming and rattling for the actual journeying experience. I think it is a wonderful gift for someone who wants to get a taste of shamanic journeying.




3. great cd-I liked that it broke up the chapters and left the journey track at the end. the information is very easy to understand. I really like Sandra Ingermans work. She gives you all the info you need to start taking journey's with confidence. the journey drumming is great. In fantasy I wish the drumming track could have been an hour long. but for beginning it is fine. I would recommend the cd to any one wanting to learn about Shamanism.



4. This is a useful tool for beginning work of journeying. This is a skill I already possess, but the details are good to remember. It is through and directional without being dogmatic. If you are wanting to learn how to begin practicing the ancient spiritual practice of journeying for your own enlightenment, this is good. It will not tell you how to become a shaman, as that takes years of study and one must have a teacher. This practice will lay the foundation and let you begin to see what is possible for yourself, and then, perhaps, you will or will not want to seek further training.

5 comments about 2012: The Return of Quetzalcoatl.

1. I am not here to tell you if this is a good or a bad book. You have many other reviews for that. I am here to tell you only one thing: if you want to read about the year 2012 and all the events that might happen on this year, THIS IS NOT THE RIGHT BOOK. The author keeps telling you about his own experiences with this or that drug, in this or that country. So, for 2012 information, look somewhere else.



2. This is probably the best book I've read on the topic of 2012. I couldn't put it down! Definitely worth purchasing. Much more interesting than "Breaking Open The Head."



3. I found this book very interesting and very well written. The interesting with Pinchbeck is his backgrund in the intellectual art milieu of New York combined with a later interest in the occult, new spirituality and mysticism. 2012: The Return of Quetzalcoatl is sort of a spiritual and intellectual biography. We follow Daniel on his travels and thoughts, to Stonhenge to look for crop circles, to the amazonas to try hallucinogenic mushroooms and so on. Driven by a frustration over the shallowness and crudeness of "western" "materialism" he seeks new and/or alternative world views.
   What I like is Pinchbecks openness towards "the other side". He actually tries it all: drugs, crop circles, meditation, 2012 "prophesies", mayan calendar stuff and so on, with an open but inteligent mind. Often his reasoning is interesting to follow, sometimes it gets a bit too longwinded. I also like that he does not give the reader a new philosophy or ontology or religion or system of beliefs. Rather, as I read him, it is an attempt to shake a little the ingrained view of reality we usually take for granted. Is the established conception of reality so obvious? Or is there something fundamental that we can't see? And if so, can alternative world views give us a hint? 2012 opens up windows to alternative and fascinating ideas, described by someone with a foot in mainstream acedemic discourse as well. Which I think is unusual.
   New age-fans or seekers of a belief system will probably find 2012 too ambiguous. Rather I think this book is intended for sceptical readers with an open mind.



4. I thought that this book was going to be about 2012, but instead it was some annoying guy justifying his drug habit. I wish I had kept my money and bought something of substance.



5. I bought it thinking it was going to be interesting - it is hard to read because it is so bad.
   
   My father picked it up and read a few pages and had to put it down because it was so bad.
   
   Don't waste your time or money - not really about 2012, more about the author and whatever ego/mind trip he was on.

2 comments about Sacred Vine of Spirits: Ayahuasca.

1. Ralph Metzner's book Ayahuasca: Human Consciousness and the Spirits of Nature (1st edition) and Sacred Vine of Spirits: Ayahuasca (2nd edition) is an excellent overview of modern conceptions of Ayahuasca and where and how they originated.
   
   The book starts off with a brief history of the available data on this most powerful of entheogens. Next Metzner delves into modern trip reports of the experience by mostly well-to-do professionals, doctors, psychiatrists, etc. In this section, the book does tend to get a little fluffy and new agey in its descriptions. Here, too, I was disappointed that he did not offer/include indigenous descriptions of the experience.
   
   While at first this book had difficulty drawing me in, it wasn't until the end of the trip reports section, probably around page 150, that a startling story, so identical to one of my own, really grabbed my attention into the book as a whole. The stories previous to this one were also similar to my own, as I have seen the snakes, etc., myself, however the other stories often didn't draw me in as this one in particular had as it twisted around my soul like a boa.
   
   About 2/3 into the book it becomes clear why Metzner has chosen these particular stories. He uses the stories to show a sort of universal archetypal imagery found within the experiences as well as using them to show the overall personal benefits and healings gained by each individual's direct experiences with the sacred brew. He makes especially clear the importance of "la purga" or the purge, which are the effects of Ayahuasca to cause vomiting to cleanse the body and soul. However, I questioned if this was done while possibly omitting negative reports, not of trips, but of Kanaima related issues (see Dr. Neil Whitehead). Though I must admit that my own numerous experiences were indeed along the same lines of self-recognition and self-responsibility laid out in the work.
   
   Next Metzner calls on the famed Dr. Dennis McKenna to break down the chemistry and history of Ayahuasca, as McKenna with his brother Terence were pioneers in the research on DMT and Ayahuasca. Next Metzner calls on Dr. Charles Grob and Dr. J.C. Callaway to give an excellent (yet self limited) history on Ayahuasca from its studies to its effects on human psychological behavior, drug addiction, etc. Finally he ends the book with a well thought out and in some places admittedly speculative conclusion on the possibilities to the fulfilling of human consciousness on a Gaian or global scale.
   
   Not the most profound read, but well worth the read. I'd give it a strong 4.5 star. A necessary addition to any ethnopharmacological library. However, I should mention that the best material is said to be The Antipodes of the Mind : Charting the Phenomenology of the Ayahuasca Experience by Dr. Benny Shanon. I will point out that I have not had the chance to read Shanon's book yet, but it has come highly recommended by many leading experts in the field and is on the top of my to read list. Shanon is published by Oxford.



2. For some reason I was expecting content
   in the realm of preparation and specific
   detail in regards to healing and purifying
   after consumption. Mainly it was the history,
   both ancient & modern along with a varied 'personal
   experience' sharing of stories.
   
   A very good book for beginners.

5 comments about Spirit of the Rainforest: A Yanomamo Shaman's Story.

1. I really like this book...our pastor recommended it and at first I wondered how it would apply...it is a great picture of these people's transformation from negative spiritual influence to positive (i.e.demonic forces and God) and how even in the middle of the jungle God still sought them out!!! Powerful!!



2. Do missionaries preserve or destroy cultures? If you have ever thought about this question this book gives interesting insight for thought from the perspective of a Shaman from a tribe in Venezuala over a period of 30 years. A very helpful, confronting and encouraging book.



3. If you've seen Apocalypto you'll like this excellent book!
   
   In this disarmingly honest ethnography the spirits take the front row, they seem to rule the life of the rainforest Indians by ruling over the shaman. Some shamans decide to change their old ways. They throw away their spirits and embrace the spirit, the one spirit that created all other spirits. Some famous anthropologists think they should not change, but keep on living with their spirits in their old ways.
   
   In a reflective moment toward the end of his life, Jungleman, the talented Yanomamo shaman who told the stories recorded by Mark A. Ritchie, confesses, "now even I have stopped many of the old ways. We don't kill any more or drink bones or rape or take ebene." Ebene is a hallucinogenic drug growing on the ebene tree, used by the shamans to assist in contacting the spirits, Ritchie explains. Now this is a testimony of the power of transformation in a Yanomamo's way of life, of the violent old ways replaced by the new ways. It is as simple as that. The shaman left the old way of the spirits and lives the good life.
   
   Jungleman continues his meditation: "The only sad thing is my son. He still has that disgusting spirit of the deer. Whenever friends come to visit, he disappears into the jungle and doesn't come back for days. But not even the peace and beauty of the jungle can hide the war of fear that runs wild in him." What a sad situation. The shaman cannot force his son to leave the old ways, it has to come from within.
   
   Any regrets? Jungleman: "I wish I had known the truth about Yai Wana Naba Laywa when I was a young man - it would have saved me so much pain and misery. But how could I? My spirits lied so much to me and tricked me. They were so beautiful, so wonderful, so hard not to want. They were the best at telling me split-truth. Now I'm at the end of this life, and I'm ready to begin my real life with Yai Pada." Yai Wana NAba Laywa and Yai Pada are the same being, Ritchie explains, they are the foreign spirit for Yanomamo.
   
   The Yanomamo lived in pain and misery as long as their world was dominated and ruled by the spirits of the rainforest.
   
   Shoefoot said, "We Yanomamo are tired of people coming to our lands to make money studying us." "I am not an animal to be studied." But "If you don't like people to come and study you, what kind of people do you want to come into your land?" "We want people who will help us improve our way of life, not just write books about us. We want people who will really care about us, like the man who came to my village and put his arm around me when I was covered with dirt, sweat, saliva, and mucous. This man shared in our suffering. He cares about our children. He showed us something we knew nothing about - love."
   
   Shoefoot said about white people that keep telling them to keep their old ways, "They mock my people. I've lived my whole life ere in this jungle. If they think they know the best way to live here, let them come and show us. And tell them not to bring any guns with them. And no clothes. We'll even show them how to grow yucca before we send them off to their wonderful life in the jungle." He continues, "People who talk like that do not know of the pain of my people who still live in misery every day. Am I a dog, that I should have my wife and children live in pain all the time because of what your people in your land say?"
   Plain and simple, trading places would be a good way to go before giving advice. And if somebody is masochist enough to enjoy hell, why should that be the standard of a good live for everybody else?
   
   The leader of a village at Mavaca, Kaobawa, "became angry with his spirits because of all the misery that kept coming to his people. All his brothers died, and his children. His spirits kept telling him to kill. Finally he threw them away in disgust. He thought that they might kill him, but he didn't care."
   
   Jungleman about his deliverance from the spirits that lived with him all his live: "Don't throw us away, Father," the Jaguar Spirit begged me...We all know that when your usefulness is over, they will come and take you away - kill you, is what I mean. ... They were trying to kill me...My spirits pounded on my chest... Even though I knew I should expect it, I couldn't believe that my closest friends in all the world were doing this to me. Even Charming was with them... I lay on the ground in the cloud of brightness and I saw my whole life, and I saw how completely tricked I had been...Everything they said was a lie. And such clever lies too!...I had been used by my spirits for their pleasure."
   
   "Yai Wana Naba Laywa reached out and grabbed me. I felt so safe. That's why it doesn't hurt, I thought. He stood over me, pulled me away from my spirits, and said to me, `Don't worry. You'll be all right. I'm here to protect you.' Then with a big voice the spirit said to my spirits, `Leave him alone. He's mine.' They scampered in every direction, like a heard of terrified hogs. And he was right; I was his."
   
   "At that moment I felt safer than ever in my life." Jungleman wanted to throw his spirits but they wanted to kill him, so he had some help and the spirit (Yai Wana Naba Laywa) "suddenly decided to free me from my spirits." This is a story you can find in other forests of our green earth, if you want a second opinion. It rings true to me. It is "gripping" and "hard to put down," and yes, "gut-wrenching."



4. Recommended by a friend, but I did not enjoy the book. The author seems to place the crude perspectives of the jungle inhabitants on a moral pedestal. Great for tree huggers and naturalists, but I am neither.



5. I first read this book in 2000, from a public library. It is an enduring read with a compelling story-line. I bought my own copy recently because I knew I would want to re-read it many times. So far, it has been passed around at work - I'm not sure who has got it right now.
   
   The biography of a Venezuelan tribe, from the point of view of a shaman, Jungleman, during a time of great transformation - externally and internally. At times critical of the colonialism of anthropologists, the account is honest in its description of the brutality of the tribe's practices, and provides a unique insight into things spiritual, to which Westerners are typically blind.

5 comments about Visionseekers.

1. All other considerations aside, Visionseeker--like Spiritwalker and Medicinemaker--is a good story. By the way, if you haven't read any yet--READ THEM IN ORDER! It's interesting to consider what a possible future might look like. I like to hear about Wesselman's shamanic/visionary encounters and lessons with Nainoa. Unlike some other reviewers, I didn't read this with a particular agenda and specific questions I needed to have answered. If a pressing question came up, I think I'd just write to Dr. Wesselman and ask. I read on to book three because I enjoyed the other two and find the "characters" to be multi-dimensional, aware and very human. Their consciousness is expanding with each visit. Some of their epiphanies help to clarify my own thinking--things I've been turning over in my own mind. The author has a gift for articulating hard-to-define concepts, particularly regarding the nature of the soul. I have a stake now in knowing what happens to these characters, and how they continue to learn and make sense of their uncommon relationship.

   Wesselman is not painting of picture of 21st century life, culture and morality when he visits Nainoa. It's a foreign point of view in most respects. Nor do I think the author is omniscient when it comes to life in that time and place. He is learning as he goes and gathering information and understanding. Readers have to be aware of these things. Personally, I read the books with a curiosity about the possibility of a spiritual connection across time. If you believe in the possibility of reincarnation, his narrative is intriguing. What if he and Nainoa share a portion of an enduring soul? I don't think he is asking us to believe what he is saying beyond a shadow of a doubt; we didn't experience what he did, so how can we? But I respect his experience/his beliefs about them--and I think they contain something of value for us.

   One of the things I liked best about this particular text was that he goes into specifics about his shamanic practices. As he begins to develop some control over his visionary states, he is also able to share the knowledge he's gained more clearly. He discusses the energy/levels of soul and seems to be honing in on what connects him and his ancestor in these visionary states. I haven't had a conscious experience quite like his, but I've had enough powerful visions in dreaming and other moments to give me an open mind about it.

   With regard to the sexuality that a few have taken issue with...if it's part of the overall experience and story, why should it be filtered out? Some might think it's overdone--I hear similar complaints about Auel's Clan of the Cave Bear series--but sexuality and intimate partnerships are part of life. I found them to be tastefully and lovingly captured, though a few could make you blush.... For some who follow a more mystical path, I have heard that you CAN launch some journeying via sexual buildup and release. I can't confirm or deny it myself, though I have spoken to people who claim it happens and I've read about it more than once. You might think it's new age mumbo jumbo--that's your prerogative, but as far as I'm concerned Mr. Wesselman is the author and he gets to choose what goes in and what he feels is important or worthwhile to share. Seems rather courageous to me to lay bare the details of one's life so openly. It's also inspiring to read about couples who love and respect each other with passion and tenderness, though it might not always be comfortable to read coming from our cultural framework.

   At any rate, author/mythologist Joseph Campbell cautions that when the hero comes back after his transformational journey with gifts for his/her community, a lot of times those gifts turn to ashes in his hands, because the the community is often not ready/able to understand and receive those gifts--yet.

   Keep the stories coming, Dr. Wesselman! We'll embrace whatever gifts we are ready for.




2. "Visionseeker" is the third book in a series concerning the author's amazing, beautiful, and insightful connection with his future ancestor (Nainoa), as well as his awesome journeys into various transcendent experiences. In this book he continues to share a great amount of "ancient wisdom" that is helpful for us to learn/remember today.
   
   Hank Wesselman's writing style is such that he is able to pull the reader into his experiences - so much so that there were times when I could actually see/feel/hear/sense that which he was describing. In this way, Mr. Wesselman takes the reader on a journey as well - an awesome & powerful journey to be sure!
   
   Overall, I would highly recommend "Visionseeker" to anyone interested in spirituality in general, &/or shaminism in particular. This book has much to offer!



3. Hank has been there, done that. He allows you to join his ecstacy as he receives vital information for humankind's growth and survival. Don't miss it.



4. Visionseeker is the final of three books. The first two being "Spiritwalker," then "Medicinmaker."
   
   In Visionseeker, Hank Wesselman continues to beautifully illustrate his extraordinary visionary experiences with using a writing style which is easy to follow and often peppered with humor. The concepts presented in the book -- such as out-of-body consciousness and shamanism's healing methods, etc. -- are thoroughly investigated and explained to the best of the author's ability, with the Western, scientifically-oriented perspective in mind. Hank's "inner scientist," stemming from his previous education in the Anthropological field, compels him to come up with rational and logical reasons as to how and why these extraordinary experiences are taking place. Using scientific reasoning and traditional Hawai'ian beliefs, he is able to explain (was able to explain to me, at least) what would normally be unexplainable.
   
   The content of the entire trilogy generally includes: 1) his first encounters and reactions to his initial out-of-the-ordinary experiences, 2) his understanding and explanation of these experiences through a scientific and traditional Hawai'ian Kahuna's perspective, 3) an extraordinary account of his repeated "journeys" to a possible future Earth, seeing it through another man's eyes, and 4) several undeniably relevant and important proposals which connect his experiences to our present time and global situation.
   
   I appreciated Hank's openmindedness and sincerity when he approached his difficult-to-explain/understand experiences. Both his experiences and perspective inspired me to look at my life and future in a new way. The Spiritwalker trilogy has made a significant difference in my life. I highly recommend all three books.



5. VISIONSEEKER is the last book of a fabulous Shamanic trilogy by anthropologist and Hawaiian shaman, Dr. Hank Wesselman. The first two books are SPIRITWALKER, MEDICINEMAKER and the above is the third in this fascinating trilogy of one man's walk into the unknown world of spirits. I highly recommend them. These books will be sure to stretch your mind to unlimited heights. Can't put them down. EXTRAORDINARY!!!!!
   PN

5 comments about The Andean Codex: Adventures and Initiations Among the Peruvian Shamans.

1. The book is well written and, even though I have read other books on Peruvian/Inca teachings, I found it most clear and concise. J.E.Williams writing style is very gentle with a beautiful depth and simplicity. There are five main principles to the Andean teachings and, after living among the shamans for 35 years, he is the first person authorized to bring these teachings to the US. Some of the proceeds from the book, as well as the photography, goes back to the indigenous people. As I was reading I could not help thinking that these basic teachings, much like other native peoples worldwide, are so needed now on this planet.



2. It's hard to come by real accounts of true teachings these days. There are so many charlatans begging to be known as sages. Then you come upon a book such as this one by Dr. James E. Williams. It transcends the volumes that try to get at experience without really experiencing it. Dr. Williams nearly died in the process of climbing in the Andes while writing his real life experience with a real life shaman, Sebastian. He sacrificed a lot and learned a lot. It's wonderful that he's written this tidy little classic about how he breathed the thin air and ate potato soup at 16,000 feet and suffered from a collapse of the lower back, asthma and an arrhythmic heart and many other complex and nearly fatal exigencies of very high altitude living, in order to put this profound book into our hands. We ought to bow and be thankful, and pass it on...the thanks and the book!



3. One of the best books that I have read on Andean Spirituality and how it survives within our modern world. Well written and very informative



4. I found the work of Dr. J.E. Williams magnificently well written with clear-detailled explanations, respectfully narrated and above all, a true reflection of the Andean ways. This book is a MUST for all those searching the path of light!!



5. Dr. Williams has written an easy-to-read narrative about his spiritual and mundane experiences in the Andean highlands. If you want to get a good idea of what it is like to travel at elevations of up to 15,000 feet this is one way to do it. One also gets a good feel for the culture.
   Recommended.

5 comments about Medicine Wheel: Earth Astrology.

1. I first read this book in 1988 and got it out again today as I recommended it to someone. Am glad to see that it is still in print.

   Astrology based on moon at time of birth is a different idea, but in my case being a brown bear really is on target. I liked all of the information on minerals and plants, too.

   I've read several of Sun Bear's books and find them thought provoking.




2. This book has come off the shelf multiple times. It has interesting insight and is enjoyable to read. If you like things like horoscopes and such, you'll enjoy Sun Bear's take on it all.



3. I have only read one book by Sun Bear and was facinated by the fact that anyone, Native or not, could find peace by just doing something spiritual like this. I am a member of two Ojibway tribes, and yes, I did grow up on three different reservations in my life so I feel I can speak with confidence on this matter. I do not care if people agree or disagree with the Native religions because they are all different and it is not up to me,or anyone else, to tell you what is native or non-native so if you believe you can find happiness from reading "astrological" points of view from Sun Bear then buy the book because it is better to love and practice something than to practice nothing at all. I would also recommend traveling to a nearby "Rez" for an introduction to religion, and they don't have to be Chippewa like myself or Sun Bear, because I know the best spiritual advise cannot be found in books. To correct a few reviews and from an Anthropological view, the Chippewa, or Ojibway, were not buffalo chasers like the plains natives, but fisherman and farmers from Canada with a HEAVY influence from the French (hows that for a European astrology connection) so please correct your review Apacheman because we, the Chippewa, are woodland indians so how could you know if we kept a calender or not (especially the Apaches being a Mexico indian). Native religions do not hate like others do so please do not give us a bad name because I read your profile and it seems all your reviews were negative. And as far as two bears is concerned I would like to know who named you or what naming ceramony you attended because we all have two lives, the one everybody see's and the one we hide(naming yourself does not constitute an indian name).



4. I bought this book years ago (before Amazon.com even existed). I've met Sun Bear, Wabun and the whole Bear Tribe in person, when they were located near Spokane, WA. (I even met Medicine Story, one of the reviewers up there. Hi again!)
   
   Several of the reviews take issue with the idea of an astrological-type system because there was no such thing among the native peoples of this continent. Well, Sun Bear himself said the same thing. The ideas in this book weren't meant to represent traditional Chippewa or Native American beliefs. They're a completely new idea, given to Sun Bear in a vision that he had.
   
   Other reviewers mention that you are not locked in to particular personality traits due to the time of your birth, but that anyone can change. Sun Bear covered that as well. First, this system is just symbolism to try to give people some insight into how they are. It's not a hard-and-fast type of thing. It's more like Rosarch ink blots- just a tool to help you learn about yourself. Second, he says in the book that people often move around on the medicine wheel as they go through life, sharing traits with and seeing from the perspective of the various different totems.
   
   As a self-analysis or self-help book I recommend Medicine Wheel. It's well worth a read.



5. This book is good for young men to read. People of Indian decnt will find it interesting